For many years now I have been a fan of a band from the United Kingdom. They are called Kasabian, and they manage to make some amazing psychedelic indie alt Brit-pop. While the band has won major awards, played some large stadium/festival gigs across Europe, America for whatever reason has never accepted the band (I blame you RCA/Columbia). In fact, I just happened to find their recent album – West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum on accident, not off ... Read More

The Black Dahlia Murder (w/ HateSphere, Augury & Obscura) 03/06/10 The Roxy Theatre - West Hollywood, CA Words/Videos/Photos by Reverend Justito/concertconfessions.com After two weeks of non-stop action up the coast in Vancouver, the close of the 2010 Winter Olympics has sent me into a downward spiral of depression.  No longer can I turn on the television and watch global goliaths face off in events like Curling and Ice Dancing.  Gone were underage girls drinking and smoking cigars, a Ginger on a snowboard and that ice-skater ... Read More

moe. 02/26/2010 Club Nokia @ LA Live - Los Angeles, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Reverend Justito/concertconfessions.com Lucky 13: moe. live from downtown los angeles   It's not often that I suffer from anxiety, but in the hours before my thirteenth moe. concert, I was struggling.  What should I eat?  Did that Russian bobsled really just tip over?  Would I get the fun Club Nokia, or would the foul oppressive camera hating venue who love to make my life a living hell?  Yet there was one question on my mind ... Read More

Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival w/ Cyrus Chestnut, Dee Daniels and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival Gospel Choir & The Taj Mahal Trio University of Idaho Kibbie Dome 02/26/10 Words/Photos by thenaturalstoner I definitely picked an interesting (see: not great) show to make my first Concert Confessions review, and in hindsight I should have picked a different one, but we all make mistakes in our lives.  The evening wasn’t terrible, but the crowd was, which I suppose is partially my fault. Last night I went to ... Read More

Dinosaur Jr. 02/23/10 The Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin/concertconfessions.com   I must be honest with everyone for a moment.  I own one compact disc by the band Dinosaur Jr.  It has their big hit “Feel the Pain” on it and I picked it up at a garage sale a few years back.  I don’t even know the name of it, nor most of the song titles.  I’ve always enjoyed the band and their loud, fuzzy alt-rock jams (they were rated 4 starts on ... Read More

STS9 w/ Nalepa Dub Orchestra 02/12/10 The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA Words/Photos/Videos by concertconfessions.com The teams seemed to be about even.  On one side of the Art Deco Wiltern Theatre stood 1,000 E-tarded electronica kids in Ed Hardy shirts, dark sunglasses and black high top sneakers with bright flourescant shoelaces.  On the opposite side, 1,000 dirty E-tarded wooks in patchwork pants and hooded sweatshirts, declaring their favorite microbrews and waiting in anticipation.  Somehwhere between my pal (who has requested to only be known as ... Read More

Are we pumped? I know I'm pumped! Tonight the twenty third edition of the Jay Porks Never Ending Concert Series brings us to Roseland Ballroom (239 W 52nd street- New York City) to see the super-group, although they scoff at the term, THEM CROOKED VULTURES. A side project of legendary proportions, featuring the Josh Homme of fame with Queens of the Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal, Kyuss(a short stay as guitarist in the Screaming Trees too) on lead guitar and vocals.. ... Read More

Must say it was the most interesting place I've seen a show. I'm Jay Porks, and Welcome to the twenty second installment of the Jay Porks Never ending concert series for Dinosaur Jr!!!!... tonight takes us to Williamsburg, to the Brooklyn Bowl, which I know- sounds like a bowling alley. It actually IS a bowling alley, along with being a pseudo-fancy restaurant, it's equipped with16 bowling lanes(each lane with a big screen on the end, showing a movie) to the right of ... Read More

Joseph Arthur 01/23/10 The Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin/concertconfessions.com   As I shared here recently as a FROM THE VAULT post, the last time I saw Joseph Arthur, we didn't really connect.  In the weeks and months that passed after that warm summer night, I actually began to get angry.  What was wrong with me?  I have listened to this man and his music time and time again and I allowed weird vibes and distractions ruin our brief time together.  Not permitting my ... Read More

Joseph Arthur 07/15/2008 The Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA Words/Photos by Justin (note, this review was first published at MTVnews.com.  I have shared it From The Vault as I will be paying Mr. Arthur a return visit at The Troubadour this Saturday Night.) The teams were supposed to be even - 3 straights and 3 gays. However, at the last minute one flip flopped and we found ourselves with the upper hand at 4-2. As we sat open, pillow-filled booth down the street from the Troubadour ... Read More

USELESS KEYS 01/08/10 The Viper Room - West Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Video by Justin/concertconfessions.com Often times in Los Angeles, music fans blow off opening acts and only show up for the main event. On the second Friday of 2010, I did the exact opposite. Last summer when I walked in on USELESS KEYS’ set closer at The Roxy, I was so impressed I promised myself I would seek them out again. Not one to break a promise, the Los Angeles-based band’s set at the Viper Room ... Read More

Steel Panther (with Delta Rose & TARSHA) 12/28/2009 House of Blues - West Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin/concertconfessions.com Racist, Homophobic and degrading to women, one would think that a band like Steel Panther would never survive liberal West Hollywood, CA. Yet the band once known as Metal Skool has used Monday nights on the Sunset Strip to organically grow their mock metal musical onslaught from underground buzz to worldwide domination. Having not seen the boys since their name change/major label record deal, a co-worker and ... Read More

The Affliction Christmas Concert w/ TSOL, Suicidal Tendencies, Pennywise & Danzig Long Beach Arena - Long Beach, CA 12/19/09 Words/Photos/Videos by Justin/concertconfessions.com It would be very easy for me to use this review to blast Affliction.  It is of course the second most popular t-shirt company for douche bags after Ed Hardy.  However it is the holiday season and why hate when you can be grateful that you got free all access VIP tickets to the sold out $5 Affliction Holiday concert featuring TSOL, Suicidal ... Read More

[gallery][gallery] First, many thanks and gratitude to Justin and Mr. Robertson for getting me that "precious" photo pass (and may this not be the last time i get it lol). i am a huge fan of Hatebreed but i am not that big on the "deathcore" scene, still i had a blast at this show, and after all i'm becoming a fan of Born of Osiris and Unearth. i used 2 digital cameras plus an old but trusty 35mm cam. i was the ... Read More

91X Wrex The Halls featuring 30 Seconds To Mars 12/13/2009 - Viejas Arena -San Diego, CA Words by WarChild490 Videos taken from YouTube/Shot by user Kobefan131 Photos by Daikou Coming from someone like myself, who hasn't set foot outside of the city of Los Angeles in over ten years, taking a trip to San Diego was exciting enough. When the reason for the trip is a band you've been wanting to see play live for the past 4 years, not even lack of sleep could stop me ... Read More

Neil Diamond 10/01/08 Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA Words/Videos by Justin aka concertconfessions.com This article first appeared on MTVnews.com Hot Autumn Nights - Neil Diamond Peforms At The Hollywood Bowl In the magical summer of 1995, my parents needed a break from raising their two young sons. So they packed our bags and sent my younger brother and me a few hours north to the wine country of Northern California. There we spent a week with our grandparents. Many important things happened that week. We played ... Read More

The 90's are back! did they ever left? who would have though that in 2009 musical groups that began their carrers in the 90's were going to be crashing the party in the new millenia? With the return of bands like BLINK 182, LIMP BIZKIT (touring in europe), JANE'S ADDICTION, CREED, NO DOUBT, PHISH (justin's hippi-fave), THE CRANBERRIES, THE PIXIES, SUGAR RAY and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS (2008 tour) and adding the continuing carrers of NIN, PEARL JAM, ROB ZOMBIE, 311, PAPA ROACH, GREEN DAY, ... Read More

The Black Dahlia Murder 12/03/09 The Roxy Theatre - West Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin/concertconfessions.com A few years before I was the concert confessing cubical warrior who hangs at Hollywood hotspots with Tom Morello and that dude who gets paid to beat the snot out of people, I drove various video tapes around in a highly decorated Scion XB.  While there were many terrible things about making $9.00 to deliver digital betacam’s with Judge Judy episodes or Lexus commercials, there were some experiences that I ... Read More

My Morning Jacket 09/21/09 Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA Words/Photos by Justin/Concertconfessions.com Editors note:  This piece made it's original debut on mtvnews.com.  I am basically reposting here to test out and see if I can insert youtube videos into a blog. Jim James For President - My Morning Jacket Campaigns in Los Angeles For most of the decade, every jaded junkie brown nosed rock critic scumbag has declared My Morning Jacket saviors of rock and roll. MMJ front man Jim James has been dubbed the second ... Read More

Metalfest featuring Dirge Within, Hate Eternal, Born of Osiris, Whitechapel, Unearth, Chimaira, Cannibal Corpse, Trivium & Hatebreed The Palladium - Hollywood, CA 11/28/2009 Words/Photos/Video by Justin While many used Thursday to feast and give thanks, I managed to wait till Saturday to truly celebrate Thanksgiving.  Armed with two comp tickets and a fancy photo pass (thanks KM), I hit the Palladium in chilly Hollywood, CA for a day long metal festival.  With a lineup featuring rising acts like Whitechapel, legends such as Cannibal Corpse and ... Read More

Fungo Mungo, Will Haven, Shaun Lopez (FAR), Greg Puciato (The Dillinger Escape Plan), Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Rocky George (Suicidal Tendencies), Dave Lombardo (Slayer), Daron Malakian (System of A Down), Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom), John Dolmayan (System of A Down), Shavo Odadjian (System of A Down), Max Cavalera (Soulfly), Deftones and many more! November 20, 2009 -- Avalon: Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Karla Serrano After witnessing night one of Chi Chengs benefit show I thought to myself, "There's no way in hell they could top ... Read More

Mastodon & Dethklok 11/20/09 The Palladium - Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin On the night of Sunday, November 15th, 2009 I was sitting on the floor of my bathroom puking into my recently cleaned toilet when the unthinkable happened.  With no warning at all, warm liquid poop flowed right out of my bottom and straight into my underwear.  As I sat with vomit dripping from my beard and pants full of feces, I knew that it could only get better.  No matter how rotten I felt ... Read More

A Benefit For Chi Cheng - Featuring P.O.D., Far, Cypress Hill, Tommy Lee, Mark McGrath, Greg Puciato, Ben Kenney, Xzibit, Richie Cavlaera, Rodleen Getsic and the Deftones 11/19/09 - Avalon: Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin/concertconfessions.com   When I read on blabbermouth.net last year that Chi Cheng, bass player for one of my all time favorite bands was in a coma from a serious car accident, my heart sunk deep into my gut.  For 12+ years, I have seen his band – the Deftones all over the great state of ... Read More

the cranberries - linger live from new york[gallery] If you blink, you'll miss it. The Cranberries are back after a long seven year absent. The group was one of the most successful rock acts of the '90s and sold over 14.5 million albums in the United States alone. On this new york city show at the Nokia Theater Dolores and the boys played for an hour and a half of mostly hits, a couple of dolores' solo songs plus a brand new, very ... Read More

Phish – Festival 8 10/30-11/01/2009 – Empire Polo Fields: Indio, CA Words/Videos by Justin Note: Minus some video of Free, with full memory cards I decided to simply enjoy the music vs. messing with my camera)  As I made the long walk from Hunky Dory to the concert field for the last time, cold can of beer in hand, I stopped for a few moments and just took it all in. The phans, the security and of course the beautiful mountain backdrop which the sun sank ... Read More

Phish – Festival 8 10/30-11/01/2009 – Empire Polo Fields: Indio, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin Sunday morning/early afternoon at Festival 8 was nothing short of perfect.  I made my way to the venue pretty early in hopes of getting an 8 shaped donut and coffee along with a free scoop of Phish food in exchange for a busted old cell phone.  While I managed to get my ice cream, I never made it into the 45 minute line for a free donut and coffee.  Why would ... Read More

Phish – Festival 8 10/30-11/01/2009 – Empire Polo Fields: Indio, CA Word/Photos by Justin Writers note:  All encounters as told below are true.  Names are changed/made up to protect the not so innocent.  It is suggested that you make a strong drink or eat some paint chips before reading this report on Phish fans, as it is NOT to be taken seriously and does not reflect the entire Phish community (I am talking to you PHISHMEAT).    Phans #1 – Kid A (and Deb) I met Kid ... Read More

Phish – Festival 8 10/30-11/01/2009 – Empire Polo Fields: Indio, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin I was somewhere near Life On Mars Ave when the news began to take hold.  It was Halloween 2009, and I was in the middle of the f’n desert where Phish would be covering Exile on Main St by The Rolling Stones in just a few hours.  If my father has taught me anything, it’s that The Rolling Stones are nothing more than a glorified bar band, and out of 99 ... Read More

Phish – Festival 8 10/30/2009 -11/01/2009 – Empire Polo Fields: Indio, CA Words by Justin  It was a week ago to the moment that I was at the beautiful Casino Morongo in Cabazon, CA when I saw a tweet that more or less said the following:   Got raped by security going into @phishfest8.  Thought I could hide a bottle of beer in my anus, but boy was I wrong.  #F8   I can’t lie; this brought a Secret Smile to my face.  You see, I hate authority, especially ... Read More

Phish – Festival 8 10/30-11/01/2009 – Empire Polo Fields: Indio, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin A few hours after the sun crept below the beautiful Santa Rosa Mountain range, a thick cloud of smoke hung above the Hunky Dory (named after David Bowie’s classic 1971 record) campground deep inside the Empire Polo Fields.  With no open fires or BBQ’s allowed within the lush campground (declared the nicest out of all 8 campgrounds by Jamtopia.com) it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out what was ... Read More

Phish - Festival 8 10/30-11/01/2009 - Empire Polo Fields: Indio, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin Writers Note:  In honor of the 8th Phish festival, I plan to write 8 separate confessions of my four days in the desert with Phish.  Having left the Hunky Dory campsite 30 hours ago, I have still not fully processed everything I experienced within the grounds of the Empire Polo Grounds.  In the event that some non-phish fans read this, I have tried my best to provide links on lingo that ... Read More

Brand New w/ Manchester Orchestra/The Builders & The Butchers 10/17/2009 - The Palladium: Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Reverend Justito! It is pure dumb luck that I ever gave Brand New a chance.  Sent on assignment to check in on the emerging y’alt rock hipster scene coming out of Portland, OR, I ended up watching Brand New steal a poorly planned festival gig from two veteran alt rock bands.  With an outstanding new album called Daisy I headed into my old stomping grounds to finally experience ... Read More

For years, I have been a fan of sharing live music.  While some folks call them bootlegs, I prefer the term live concert recordings.  After all, I have never (and will never) make a cent off the music of someone else.  For me, I have met many wonderful people from my years of trading concert CD’s across the country and even world.  For me there is nothing better than being able to relive a live moment I was lucky enough to see ... Read More

It is no accident that i love taking pictures. in fact i graduated with a Graphics Arts Degree and worked in the advertising field for a time. though i make my living as a state employee my love for picture taking has never waivered. To "compose" a concert photograph and be given a few seconds to do it, is a challenge that i want in order to get that ultimate shot that is so rewarding. Now! i am not a professional photographer ... Read More

u2 - 360 tour[gallery] U2 360 tour 2009 is the best stadium tour that i have seen. mind you i have only been to 5 stadium gigs over the years, but the staging is very fan-friendly and awesome to look at.  the proximity of the stage from the audience was the first thing i noticed.  the stage, in the round just a bit off center gave not a bad seat/spot in the house. the speakers were hanging from this "spider-like" claws that held everything in place, including ... Read More

Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 09/17/09 - Fox Theatre: Oakland, CA Words/Photos by Jhallead Ben Harper is my favorite.  I have been a fan of his since he opened for Pearl Jam in 1995.  I have always loved the fact that although he is an outstanding person and musician, he did not get incredibly big in the music world.  This means that I can typically get very up close and personal at his shows.  This show was the closest I have ever gotten which ... Read More

Michael Burks 09/12/09 Cozy's - Sherman Oaks, CA Words/Photos by God Frank Howdy Concert Confessionites! Long time listener, first time caller here. I've been debating posting a review on this site for a while, and after seeing the lack of blues reviews I finally decided I had to contribute. Back in April while in Laughlin, NV for the Blues and Brews Festival (and some marathon poker playing) I discovered blues man extraordinaire Michael Burks. I spoke with Michael one day during the festival and he told ... Read More

P!nk w/ The Ting Ting's Staples Center - Los Angeles, CA 09/18/09 Words by HJunderpants I’ve seen P!nk live  three times now, and this last show in promotion of her latest album “Funhouse” was by far the most overall entertaining. Having separated her shoulder days before her L.A. show, P!nk far from disappointed, and opened by being lowered in a cloth rope swing while singing the AC DC favorite “Highway to Hell" to almost 20,000 amped fans at the Staples Center. At this point she has ... Read More

 The Vans Warped Tour 15th Anniversary Party 09/06/09 - Club Nokia: Los Angeles, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin It was 1997 when I first walked through the gates of Kevin Lyman’s wonderful world known as Warped Tour.  While that was not the first year of the ever evolving punk rock summer camp, it’s hard to believe that the festival has now wrapped 15 successful years.  Having missed all three Southern California stops on this years traveling circus show, I made sure not to miss the 15th ... Read More

Nine Inch Nails (with special guests Queen Kwong and Mew) Wave Goodbye Tour 2009 Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood, CA 09/02/09 Words/Video by Justin/Photos by Justin & Sylvrtail (Editors Note:  I did not take many photos last night, as I used the laxed taping policy to video tape a good chunk of the set.  I am going to create a nice DVD of it, stay tuned for details). November 1994: Somewhere between San Francisco and San Jose on a cold and damp afternoon.  I am down on my knees ... Read More

Autolux/Queens Of The Stone Age/Nine Inch Nails 10/01/2005 - Hollywood Bowl: Los Angeles, CA Words by Justin Editors Note:  With LA on fire once again, and tonight being the "last" time I see Nine Inch Nails, I figured it was appropriate to share with you the very first concert review I wrote (for my myspace blog).  In going back and reading this today, I was not only reminded of a wonderful night I had, but am rather amazed to see how far my writing has come.  ... Read More

Epicenter Festival 09 Fairplex: Pomona, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin Why waste time with a long introduction about the Fairplex at Pomona (you know, where they race ponies) lets just get to the f’n music! Street Sweeper Social Club: Chances are I would not have shown up to this festival till much later in the day if it was not for SSSC opening up the cavernous main stage.  As someone who spent their formative years (musically speaking) in the 1990’s I was not about to miss a chance ... Read More

 Judas Priest 08/15/09 St. Augustine Amphitheatre - St. Augustine, FL Words by theronman714 Photos (used by permission) by Mattdaddy @ www.FLmetal.com   The Whitesnake/Judas Priest show in St. Augustine August 15, 2009, was probably a disappointment for a handful of fans that were there to see Whitesnake. Lead singer David Coverdale developed vocal cord problems and Whitesnake was forced to cancel the remainder of their U.S. tour, including their stop in St. Aug. Fortunately, I wasn't one of those disappointed fans. I was there to see and ... Read More

Coheed and Cambria/Heaven and Hell Greek Theatre: Los Angeles, CA 08/11/09 Words/Photos by Justin (Note, I got no Coheed photos as I mainly took video during their set.  As soon as we have net access in our new home, I will add the videos).  Sometimes, the stars and planets align and things work out, despite the fact you didn’t think it actually would.  I was disappointed knowing I would not be able to make it to the beautiful Greek Theatre here in Los Angeles to see ... Read More

Blazed and Confused Tour 07/24/09 Shoreline Amphitheatre: Mt. View, CA Words/Photos by jhallead My boss comes up to me at 3pm on a Friday asking if I want our box seats for the Blazed and Confused Tour at the Shoreline.  With no time to change, headed north with my white hippie shirt and flip flops. What did I have to drink you ask?  Gin and Juice, what else?  I was actually surprised that Snoop opened for Slightly Stoopid.  Sorry Slightly Stoopid fans, but I think they ... Read More

No Doubt 07/25/09 Shoreline Amphitheatre: Mt. View, CA Words/Photos by jhallead The last time I saw a No Doubt show I was 16 years old, convinced I was going to marry Gavin Rossdale, and didn't really like Gwen too much.  I did not like Gwen only because I was jealous of her.  Now, 12 years later, obviously passed my Gavin obsession, I was still jealous of her.  Jealous of her abs of course.  Gwen looks amazing.  I cannot believe she had a baby less than ... Read More

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - St. Louis, MO - 8/3/09 Words/Photos by iheartmoshing This is the 15th year for Warped Tour but for me, it was only my third year attending. Out of the three I've been to, this ranks as the best, not only because of the awesome bands on the tour, but of the great experiences I had while I was there. My day at Warped Tour included seeing: I Set My Friends On Fire, Underoath, Black Tide, NeverShoutNever, Breathe Carolina, A Day to ... Read More

7/24/09 King Thief, a local band from Saint Louis and two other bands, Makeshift Gentlemen and Sybris played at Cicero's tonight on the famous Delmar Loop. I am a huge supporter of a King Thief. Actually I've been a fan of them for over two years now. I first saw them at a Music Spotlight show at The Pageant back in March 2007 with Cavo and a couple of other bands. They definitely stood out to me. A few months later, I saw ... Read More

Coldplay 07/13/2009 Shoreline Amphitheatre: Mt. View, CA Words/Photos by Jhallead Okay, so most of my friends are in love with Chris Martin.  They think he is the cat's meow.  Me, not so much.  The only thing I can think of when I see him is how he is married to Gwyneth Paltrow and has a daughter named Apple. I would say I am a fan of Coldplay, but not a crazy super fan.  I was lucky enough to attend the concert with a few girlfriends ... Read More

Blitzen Trapper/Jenny Lewis/Ray LaMontagne w/ The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra Hollywood Bowl: Los Angeles, CA 07/12/09 Words/Photos/Videos by Justin There are a million things I could write about the KCRW World Music Festival at the Hollywood Bowl (featuring Blitzen Trapper/Jenny Lewis & headliner Ray LaMontagne w/ The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra). I could write all about how it will be the last show I be able to walk to at the historic venue (as we are about to move across town from Hollywood closer to the great ... Read More